Kate from Life in the Cooper House Congratulations to Kate! After the winner was chosen, I went back through past comments and discovered she had been leaving thoughtful notes on my blog since 2008. It’s wonderful to see a long-time reader rewarded — sometimes patience and loyalty pay off in delightful ways. There will likely … Read more

Coastal Living WWith the holidays approaching, the kitchen becomes the center of activity again. That means we suddenly notice the things we’ve been ignoring: peeling paint, cramped storage, outdated finishes and decor, and other flaws we tolerated all summer. Sunset Coastal Living I often kick into high gear on decorating or remodeling projects just before … Read more

A while back I bought a teak teacart at our local flea market. It was the perfect piece for our backyard ice cream party and drink station, and I knew it would also make a fun backyard plant stand. It turned out to be a very flexible purchase. A few weeks ago I decided to … Read more

Decorating with Blue {Dining Room} Blue is a versatile color for dining rooms — calming, elegant, and adaptable to many styles. It can be used as a dominant wall color, an accent on furniture, or in smaller décor elements to shape the room’s mood. Below are ideas and examples showing how different shades and pairings … Read more

A master bedroom should be your retreat — a place to rest and recharge at the end of the day. You don’t need a sprawling suite to create a peaceful sanctuary. What matters most is the mood of the room: thoughtful colors, soft textures and simple routines set the tone for how you’ll feel every … Read more

Originally published August 2008 The wedding is over and I’m finally back home. My daughter and I wanted a simple beach wedding, and in many ways that’s what we had. Still, even a “short” destination wedding—only about an hour and a half away—brings a few logistical details. The biggest was arranging accommodations for the wedding … Read more

My husband and I have collected original art since we were newlyweds. There’s something special about the history, texture and story an original piece brings to a home. Our collection isn’t extensive and we generally don’t spend a lot, but over the years we’ve picked up pieces as anniversary gifts to each other at estate … Read more

It’s time for our Summer Decor Shop! Browse the Summer Decor Shop – click HERE Summer is almost here! Below is a preview of some of our favorite summer decor finds, handpicked to bring a fresh, seasonal vibe into your home. Many of these items are classic enough to enjoy year-round, but we love selecting … Read more

Wood Countertop in the Kitchen FAQ from readers about my counters Recently several readers have asked about the wood countertops in my old house and whether they were difficult to care for. The kitchen was designed before I started blogging, yet it still attracts questions I haven’t formally answered in a post. Today I’ll address … Read more

Who doesn’t love curling up by a warm fire when the air turns crisp? A fireplace brings instant comfort and a welcoming atmosphere. But what if your room doesn’t have one—or you live somewhere that never gets cold yet still crave that cozy, fireside feeling? No need to worry. You can create that comforting mood … Read more